Mixed Reactions: FTC’s Noncompete Ban Draws Criticism From Medical Associations

The FTC ban has been met with mixed reactions from medical associations. The Radiology Business Management Association has not taken a definitive stance on the issue, while the American College of Radiology was unable to comment as of late Wednesday. Sources indicate that many medical associations are struggling with divided memberships regarding this issue. Younger radiologists may want the freedom to change jobs locally, while older shareholders are concerned about physicians leaving for new private equity firms, potentially causing practice valuations to drop.

Bob Still, Executive Director of the Radiology Business Management Association, called this a difficult issue for all physician groups. He stated that noncompete clauses can be coercive and harmful to physicians’ careers and well-being. The American College of Emergency Physicians supports the ban, emphasizing that emergency physicians should not be subject to harmful noncompete agreements that can stall their careers and contribute to burnout.

Texas neuroradiologist Ben White, MD, and Nisha Mehta, MD, founder of Physician Side Gigs also commented on the FTC ban. Mehta highlighted the impact this ruling could have on physicians and their contracts, acknowledging that there may be legal challenges ahead. It is clear that this ban will have significant implications for physicians and their employment agreements in the future.